Integrity

Transcript

The great golf legend Bobby Jones lost the prestigious U. S. Open Championship when he penalized himself. The ball moved slightly. Only Jones saw it happen, but he knew he had to take a penalty stroke.

Later, when he was praised for his honesty, Jones was astounded. He said, “There is only one way to play. You might as well praise a man for not robbing a bank.” Integrity is doing the right thing when no one else is looking—particularly when the wrong thing is to your advantage.

This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. We all face opportunities to cut corners or evade the truth. We can say, “Who will it hurt?” or, “No one will know.” But integrity says, “What matters is that I know”—in the high calling of our daily work.

For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.

(1 Thess. 2:3-6)